CBI Raids Locations Linked to Former J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik in Corruption Probe
GG News Bureau
Jammu, 22nd Feb. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated searches at 30 locations linked to former Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik in connection with alleged corruption in the Kiru Hydropower project. The agency, mobilizing around 100 officers, initiated the operation in multiple cities in the morning.
The case revolves around purported corruption in awarding civil works contracts for the Kiru Hydro Electric Power Project (HEP), valued at ₹2,200 crore. The CBI had filed a case in April 2022 against five individuals, including Mr. Malik, over alleged irregularities in contract awards for the project.
Malik, who served as governor from August 23, 2018, to October 30, 2019, claimed he was offered a ₹300-crore bribe to clear two files, including one related to the project. Responding to the ongoing searches, he stated, “Despite my illness, my residence is being raided by authoritarian forces. My driver and assistant are being needlessly harassed through these searches.”
He further added, “I am not afraid of these raids; I stand with the farmers. These actions won’t deter me.”
The CBI has also booked former chairman of the Chenab Valley Power Projects (P) Ltd Navin Kumar Chaudhary, along with other former officials M S Babu, M K Mittal, and Arun Kumar Mishra, and Patel Engineering Ltd.
The FIR alleges discrepancies in the tendering process, alleging that despite a decision to re-tender through e-tendering, the contract was awarded to Patel Engineering Ltd without following due process.
